This year’s multi-day Conference Synod opened on Thursday, June 6th at 7pm with a Eucharist led by Keynote Speaker, the Right Rev. Dr. Shannon MacVean-Brown of Vermont, in Christ Church Cathedral.
The Conference began the next morning at 9am with worship by the Rt Rev Clara Plamondon, the bishop of the Territory of the People. It was a full day with three keynote speaker addresses and two Café World discussions.
Keynote Addresses
Bishop Shannon’s talks centered on the theme of racism. She gave an overview of her experience as the first Black woman bishop of Vermont; of learning about the troubled history of the church where she serves; of leading the diocese remotely while participating in a diocesan anti-racism action group during the pandemic. All of this while being the only black clergy member in a diocese located in one of the least racially-diverse states in the country.
She said; “Being other has become an essential practice of my continued growth. This vantage point gives me a particular gift of discernment and understanding of inclusion of all God’s people and our church’s commitment to this work.”
While here she said how she enjoyed the diversity in Montreal as compared to Vermont. ” I don’t have diversity in Vermont so I love to soak this in.”
She said,” I’m excruciatingly aware of how much work it takes to process what it means to be a black woman in this world. I can only do so much. I’m committed to reconciliation of myself with myself. And I invite others to do the same. “
She noted of her experience in Vermont “The church as an institution isn’t immune from the inertia and resistance that comes when we attempt to do what is necessary and faithful. We’ve had to face head-on the resistance of institutional and systemic racism. We’re coming through it as a stronger and more unified diocese.”
She commended the work that our diocese has done so far, but reminded us that it is not done.
‘This is work that will outlast those who are here. Its gonna keep going and going.”
For her complete keynote addresses, go to www.montreal.anglican.ca/synod.
World Cafe Discussions
At the World Café discussions, participants worked together as they sat at round tables, which enabled easy, open – and often lively – conversations.
The subjects of the discussions were Visions and Priorities and Anti-racism and Anti-bias in the parish; results of which were captured on post-it notes that were stuck to the windows of Fulford Hall.
The notes, which were later collected and collated, identified challenges including: financial concerns; broken models of clergy, property, and colonialism; lack of growth or failure to thrive; heavy workload for leadership in small congregations; navigating regional differences; and being seen as a linguistic and cultural minority by non-Anglicans and especially by francophones.
Delegates were rewarded for their hard work with a cocktail reception featuring tin-drum music, hors d’oeuvres and wine.
Business Session
On Saturday, June 8th, delegates assembled in Fulford Hall, Cathedral Place, for the Business Synod.
Bishop’s Charge
In her charge, Bishop Mary shared examples of growth and hope in several parishes while recognizing the current diocesan-wide challenge of strained resources; one that the national church is struggling with as well.
She encouraged us to look for guidance in our anxiety about the future of the diocese; “I firmly believe that we can trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in the next steps of our mission…I urge you to use wisdom and to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us in our financial decisions and in the work that we support. Hold onto the title of the strategic commitments we affirmed at General Synod: A Changing Church. A Searching World. A Faithful God.”
For the complete charge go to www.montreal.anglican.ca/synod. Il est également disponible en français.
Keynote Speaker Conversation with Q&A
The Rev. Canon Dr. Neil Mancor facilitated a conversation and Q&A with Bishop Shannon. Canon Mancor opened the discussion by reviewing how Synod had dealt with issues around racism during this triennium.
Bishop Shannon noted that there is no defined “end” to the work surrounding anti-racism. Dismantling systemic racism is a lifelong work. It is vital to remain centered in prayer and scripture through the Daily Office or finding other ways to be fed spiritually.
She reminded us that we are lucky to be in such a racially diverse city – everyday exposure to different races offers many opportunities for meaningful exchange and engagement.
Bishop Shannon commented that, by our baptismal vows, we are empowered to change the world but this requires God’s help by God working in us and through us.
It is good to do practical things but that isn’t the whole work, we need to be taking change to the next step. We do this anti-racism work within the framework of our faith.
Canon Mancor thanked Bishop Shannon for all she has brought to this Synod and also thanked the Anti-Racism Task Force for their work throughout this triennium.
Presentation of the Partnerships Committee
The Rev. Deacon Maylanne Maybee gave a presentation from the Partnerships Committee where she said that the Diocese of Montreal has built trust in partnership with the Territory of the People, with the Diocese of Masasi and with other prayer partnerships, near and far.
The Rev. Canon Andy O’Donnell, outgoing Chair of the Partnerships Committee, then elaborated on the work of the committee and about the experiences he has had as Chair over the past eight years. He thanked members of the committee for their service. Moving forward, the Rev. Tyson Rosberg will be assuming the Chair.
Father Linus Buriani, who will soon return to Tanzania, also thanked the Partnerships Committee for their support. Bishop Mary thanked Father Linus and gave him a parting gift from the Diocese.
Discussion of Motion for Election of a Coadjutor Bishop
The motion for Synod to begin the process of electing a Coadjutor Bishop, in line with the procedures outlined in Canon 1 was voted upon and approved.
(To learn more about the process, see page 1.)
Finance Presentation & Questions
Ms. Laura Prince, Diocesan Treasurer, gave the Financial Presentation, starting with a review of the 2023 Audited Statements. BDO Dunwoody, the auditors did not find any inconsistencies in the 2023 statements. Highlights show that investment income was down, with an overall operating loss of 422K. After a brief discussion, the motion to receive the 2023 Audited statements was voted upon and carried.
The Budget for 2024 was set at a 334K operating loss; with revenues and investment income down we are now looking at an operating loss of 351K at year-end. There are expected to be some additional expenses for the Coadjutor Bishop.
Several members asked about the ethical holdings of our portfolio. It was confirmed that the portfolio is carbon neutral and does not included holdings connected with armaments, alcohol or tobacco.
When asked about the potential for investments with ties to current conflicts, Mr. Tony Layton responded that the Board of Trustees of the Fund has not broached these issues with Manu Life, and that the Board of Trustees would not divest of investments unless the diocese requested them to do so.
Canon James Pratt noted that the annual meeting of Anglican Balance Fund unit holders is taking place later this month. Parishes with investments could attend and share their concerns.
The Treasurer then presented the Budget for 2025. It is relatively the same as 2024 with no overall increases expected, with Revenues relatively the same as in the 2024 Budget.
Expenses are budgeted at 2.4 million, largely due to cost of living increases, the budgeted overall loss is 538K, and the loss from operations estimated at 428K.
Ms Prince gave a few reflections starting by stating that there is more than a little concern as to how to offset the deficit. Changes are needed but it will not be easy. The 2025 Budget is an investment for the future, and we need to determine priorities, as well as make additional cuts and choices for the future. The support of the Diocese will be helpful.
There followed a robust conversation about the current financial challenges the diocese faces along with suggestions for remedies, and the importance for supporting new and emerging ministry. These conversations will continue at the diocesan level among the Finance Committee and Diocesan council.
Canon James Pratt thanked Ms. Prince for her service as Treasurer and for her very clear presentation, highlighting the big difficulty of drawing down assets. Parishes are all facing this type of situation and we need to keep hope. We are still coming out of the COVID slump, but the statistics indicate attendance is up at the Parish level.
The motion to Approve the 2025 Budget was voted upon and carried. Bishop Mary thanked the Treasurer as she steps down from service after the past two years and presented her with flowers.
Hispanic Ministry Presentation
Bishop Mary invited the Rev. Fresia Saborio to give a presentation on the newly formed pilot project for Latino Ministry.
The Services take place on the 4th Saturday of each month at 10:30am at Christ Church Cathedral. The Rev. Deborah Noonan, the Rev. Jean-Fils Chery and the Rev. Emmanuel St. Hilaire are involved in planning.
People are able to hear the word of God in their own language and to hear what God is calling them to do within an Hispanic context.
Presentation by the Stewardship of the Environment Committee
Mr. Mark Gibson, Chair of the Stewardship of the Environment Committee (SEC), presented a summary of the progress made since Synod 2023 when the Motion was passed calling for almost zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Mr. Gibson shared the SEC’s initiatives, such as the inventory of church buildings identifying high polluters and churches that could save money by moving to more efficient systems. The committee has met with congregations and done an analysis of geothermal installations. Grants from Hydro Québec are available allowing for payback costs to be recouped in five years.
The SEC has built a relationship with the geothermal system provider Marmott Energies. Parishes should contact the SEC to arrange for a quote. A Certificate for zero emissions for buildings has also been created.
The full report, in the Convening Circular, gives further information.
A number of clergy shared their positive experiences changing to electric or geothermal heating.
Discussion of Motion “G”- Repairs to Bishop’s Court
Mr. Mark Gibson, seconder, spoke to the motion, which calls Synod to authorise up to 250K for major repairs to Bishop’s Court.
The most critical issue is the urgent need for radon gas remediation, secondly for the replacement of 40 year old leaking windows and doors, and thirdly for the installation of a geothermal heating system. These improvements will increase the value of the house, whether it is occupied by the next Bishop, or sold by the Diocese.
After a discussion that brought up possible cost-saving measures, the merits of having a home that allows extensive hospitality and the future value of the diocesan property, the motion was voted on and carried.
Election Results
Diocesan Council
The Rev. Deborah Noonan, The Rev. Canon Dr. Chris Barrigar, The Rev. Rodney Clark Ms. Kim Briand, Ms. Danica Meredith, Mr. Brock Hanly
General Synod
Mr. Dion Lewis, Ms. Penny Rankin, Ms. Danica Meredith. Youth: Ms. Victoria Amato The Ven. Victor David Mbuyi Bipungu, The Ven. Robert Camara, The Rev. Grace Burson
The Bishop thanked those who helped in facilitating this Conference Synod. The Electoral Synod will take place on May 3rd 2025 and the Diocesan Synod on October 4th 2025.
